Adventure on the playground
(Part 19 of Little Sherlock)
Chapter 1: Pirates
William, John and Mr. Bee enter the playground through the fence. Silence lies above the swing, the jungle gym and the see-saw. No other child or parent was there jet.
It was early but neither John nor William could sleep any longer. It was a nice day and after a week of rain John felt like they all could use a bit of fresh air.
"John, why are there no other people. Playgrounds are for playing, why is no one playing?" John looked down at the child beside him, holding his hand. William was watching the area as if he was trying to find other children.
"We are a bit early. Most families visit the playground around the afternoon, after lunch, school and homework." He really hopes this explanation is enough.
"Okay John." John was relieved. No new discussion about going to school. "Mr. Bee and I are playing better without other children. They are a bit slow sometimes." Without further talking William ran with Mr. Bee to the swings.
"Stay where I can see you." John wasn't too keen to on losing his flatmate in a park.
Mr. Bee was safe in his arms and points to the pirate ship. "Captain, our ship is ready."
"Thank you first mart Mr. Bee." Both are climbing on board. The waves pushes against the side. "A storm is coming; we need to get away from the cliff." The Captain shouts and suddenly the ship was busy, the Captains crew follows orders and the pirate ship sails through the storm.
John watches William playing pirate. The child runs around with Mr. Bee in his hand, shouting commands to his crew and being overall happy. The only thing that was missing were other children. But Williams comment about other children being slow tells him that he hadn't played with many.
While his little charge plays John gets his phone out and calls Mycroft, who answers after the second ring. "Good morning Dr. Watson. What can I do for you?"
Mycroft didn't sound busy so John decided he could chat a bit with him. "Morning Mycroft. I'm at the playground with William and I wanted to know how Sherlock was around other children?" It was not only curiosity but also concern that let him ask.
"My brother never liked to play with others. Neither did I, with our minds further than most adults it wasn't easy for us to relate to others. We played together but most of the time it was him alone with his bee."
"So, there is not really any use in coming here when there are actual children at his age?" He had to ask and yes John would come to this place with William. With all the crying babies and overprotected mothers. Not that he was any better.
"He is really good with you, maybe you could try. Around you he was brave enough to talk to strangers, trusting you without a thought of doubt that you would tell him when there was any danger. Nanna and me ... we were never able to do so because of the constant bad experience he got from our parents." A scream from William got him his whole attention back.
"Sorry I have to go." John hangs up on Mycroft who had also heard the scream but it was not one out of pain, but rather out of surprise.
The pirate ship had entered another ship, Captain and crew were busy with taking gold and other treasures so that William missed the rope from the net his crew used to connect the two ships. One of his legs steps through the hole and a surprised shout escaped the Captains mouth. He holds on to Mr. Bee none of them wants to fall into the sea. There could be sharks. Suddenly John appears in front of him.
"Are you alright William, need any help." John smiled at him, he loved John´s smile. Around him the trees and the sand box appear. The pirate ship disappears and the playground is back. His leg was trapped but it doesn't hurt. To get back up he needs two hands. "Can you hold Mr. Bee for a second?" William places his friend in John's open hands. Now with two hands he is able to lift himself up and walk to the other end of the robe-bridge. William takes Mr. Bee back. "Thank you John." Smiling the world of pirates appears again. The sand becomes water, and the treasure hunt can continue.
John watches William returning to his game. Glad that they came here he also returns to his seat at the bench, away from the epic sea battle William and Mr. Bee are having.